June is a transition time for Chronicle

In June 58 years ago, Olan L. Hicks launched the paper in the darkest days of World War II when common sense would have counseled, “Save the paper. Focus on the war effort.” Twenty years ago, in 1981, John and Dottie Beckloff traveled to Oklahoma City to offer the Chronicle to Oklahoma Christian because no one else appeared to be willing to keep it alive.
This June is a landmark for us in many ways. First, as we come to the end of a fiscal year, we take stock of the special relationship the Chronicle has with its readers. Although our readers are on our subscription list, no one pays an annual subscription fee. A one-time enrollment fee, often paid for by a home congregation or family members, establishes the relationship. The purpose of that relationship is communication about growing churches, evangelistic churches, serving churches and Christians around the world. Telling good news to keep churches inspired and united is our central purpose.
The Oklahoma Christian leaders were not quixotic dreamers when they conceived of a one-time enrollment fee. They were totally realistic in presuming that church members would become partners with us and help fund the paper’s costs through donations and gifts so that there would be a common voice, a monthly record of the church’s modern history, a newspaper mindful of biblical authority and faith’s power.
Every June, we appeal to our readers to support our partnership with their money and we renew our commitment to report objectively and fairly what is happening in our fellowship. Most of you will receive a letter from me asking you to send money so that we can continue to research the events that fill our pages. If you don’t receive the letter, you can mail a check to our post office address, knowing either way that we are thankful for our common faith and our devotion to making the Kingdom stronger.
Second, this June brings significant transitions. Glover Shipp will officially retire at the end of the month. He has worked on the Chronicle twice. From 1957 to 1967 he was an international reporter and assistant editor for the paper. He returned in 1989 to serve as managing editor until 1999, when he became senior editor.
A marvelously talented painter and an extraordinary writer, Glover has books he wants to write and mission histories he wants to record. God has used him for hard work and service, and we know God will continue to use and bless him.
The other transition is Leon Tester, our reliable and unfailing research assistant. After nine years with the Chronicle, Leon has decided to move closer to his children and to find other ways to serve the church. June … a time for renewal and transition. May God bless all our readers and all our staff.